The Visual Communication and Experience Design (VCXD) Degree at Montreat builds on the foundation of an Associate degree in Graphic Design, empowering professionals to redefine possibilities by integrating User Experience (UX), Human-Centered Design, and empathy-driven solutions. Graphic Design focuses on aesthetics, layout, and messaging, while Experience Design expands these skills into a broader framework that considers how users interact with brands, products, and environments. Frank Chimero has said, “People ignore design that ignores people”—an observation that animates the core of our program. This degree revisits communication theories, reinforcing verbal and visual communication fundamentals, and ensuring graduates grasp both visual storytelling and the broader dynamics of media and technology engagement. Education in Experience Design must itself be immersive—blending theory with hands-on application to enable designers to craft meaningful, user-centered interactions.
Our program focuses on these core principles:
- Holistic User Journeys: Design impactful experiences across digital and physical realms, prioritizing user well-being, accessibility, and ethical design practices.
- Strategic User Research: Develop strong research, analysis, and problem-solving skills to understand user needs, interpret data, and align design with business objectives.
- Broad Industry Application: Explore experience design opportunities beyond traditional tech, including healthcare, finance, and government, preparing for diverse career paths.
- Responsible Technology Integration: Leverage AI tools thoughtfully, focusing on automation and accessibility, while maintaining a critical perspective on ethical considerations and the importance of human creativity.
Admissions Requirements
Associate’s Degree from either Catawba Valley Community College or Wake Tech Community College
VCXD Course Highlights
- UI/UX & Digital Experience
- Communication Theory
- Brand Experience
- Design Thinking & Research
- Media Ecology & Social Media
- Special Studies or History of Design
- Communication Arts Career Readiness & Portfolio
- Experience Design
- Design Studio
- VCXD Internship
Start your success story at Montreat.
Cost-conscious
commitment
Financing college can be intimidating, which is why we’ve developed programs and opportunities to help you.
Why Montreat?
At Montreat College, we understand the unique challenges adult learners face. That's why we've created a program that empowers you to balance work, family, and education without compromising your career ambitions.
Flexible scheduling
Our classes are conveniently scheduled, so you can earn your degree while still meeting your daily commitments.
Supportive community
Join a close-knit community of experienced faculty who are dedicated to your success. As an AGS student, you're part of the Montreat family.
Affordable tuition
We are committed to making a Christ-centered education as affordable as possible, so you can achieve your educational goals. That’s why Montreat College tuition is nearly 25% lower than the national average for private colleges and universities.
Relevant programs
Montreat College offers a wide range of degree programs and certificates in fields such as Business Administration, Education, Counseling, and more. Our programs are designed to align with industry trends and provide you with the skills employers are seeking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete this program?
Two years.
How many credit hours are required?
60-61 credit hours
What salary could I earn with this degree?
Junior UX Designer (0-2 years): $78,961
UI/UX Designer, UX Designer, UI Designer, Product Designer, Interaction Designer, and User Experience Researcher, Exhibit Designer, Event Designer
Junior Graphic Designer (0-2 years): $40,000 to $55,000 per year.
Web design, UI design, branding, motion graphics, illustration, and advertising, or specialize in areas like packaging, print, and publication design.
What graduate programs does this degree prepare a student for?
Design Thinking, Graphic Design, UI/UX
What does the degree plan look like?
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AGS first transfer year |
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Term 1 |
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Term 2 |
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COMM 3359 UI/UX & Digital Experience |
3 |
COMM 4313 Brand Experience |
3 |
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COMM 1203 Communication Theory |
3 |
COMM 1220 Public Speaking & Rhet Analysis |
3 |
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BIBL 1101 Survey of Old Testament |
3 |
BIBL 1102 Survey of New Testament |
3 |
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CYBR 1131 Computer Applications & Concepts |
3 |
ENSC 1111, PHYS 1111, HLSC 1411, BIOL 2211, or KINE 2411 |
3 |
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GNED 2150 Foundations for Adult Program Success |
3 |
ENGL 2140, 2221, 2251, or 3510 |
3 |
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15 |
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15 |
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AGS second transfer year |
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Term 3 |
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Term 4 |
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COMM 4457 Design Thinking & Research |
3 |
COMM 4471 Experience Design |
3 |
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COMM 2228 Media Ecology & Social Media** |
3 |
COMM 4491 Design Studio |
3 |
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COMM Elective (3000+, Special Topics) |
3 |
COMM 4441 Communication Internship |
3 |
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ENSC 1111, PHYS 1111, HLSC 1411, BIOL 2211, or KINE 2411 |
3 |
HIST 1204, 1304, or 2134 |
3 |
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HIST 1204, 1304, or 2134 |
3 |
INDS 2161 Faith, Life, and Vocation |
2 |
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INDS XXXX Communication Arts Career Readiness & Portfolio |
1 |
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**meets 2nd SOCI/PSYC/BUSN requirement for this articulation |
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16 |
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14 |
What courses will I study?
COMM 3359 UI/UX & Digital Experience (3 hours)
An introduction to the design of effective and engaging digital experiences. Focus on user-centered design principles and techniques. Topics covered include user research, information architecture, interface design, usability testing, and visual design, with an emphasis on designing for multiple devices and platforms. Through hands-on projects, students learn to create wireframes, prototypes, and final designs for websites, mobile apps, and other digital products. Emphasis given to optimization of user experiences across different channels and touchpoints. Students utilize the prototyping application Figma.
COMM 4313 Brand Experience (3 hours)
This course explores the strategic creation and management of brands as valuable corporate assets, focusing on brand positioning, total brand experience, relevance, equity, and extension strategies. Students will also develop proficiency in identity design and brand expression, learning to craft compelling visual and verbal elements that communicate a brand’s core values and personality. Through a practical project, students will integrate strategic brand management with creative identity development to build successful brands that resonate with customers and drive business growth.
COMM 4441 Communication Internship (3 hours)
An intensive, quality, structured learning opportunity that immerses students in appropriate professional contexts. Supervision of the internship is a shared responsibility between the faculty advisor and on-site supervisor.
COMM 4471 Experience Design (3 hours)
An exploration of the process of creating meaningful and memorable experiences for users across various touchpoints and channels. XD principles and methods examined include user research, persona development, prototyping, usability testing, interaction design, visual design, storytelling, and service design. Students learn to apply business-oriented techniques to create user-centered and context-aware experiences, using user feedback and data analysis to shape websites, mobile apps, physical spaces, products, and services
COMM 4491 Design Studio (3 hours)
This studio course focuses on developing a robust and personalized portfolio, essential for launching a successful design career. Students will engage in self-directed projects that address both personal creative aspirations and identified professional needs, culminating in a polished collection of work demonstrating technical proficiency, conceptual depth, and a unique design voice. Through iterative critique, collaborative feedback, and focused project development, students will refine their skills in areas such as visual communication, user experience, and branding, preparing them to confidently present their abilities to potential employers and clients.
COMM 2228 Media Ecology & Social Media (3 hours)
A survey of media as a convergent phenomenon in its historical, industrial, and cultural manifestations, this course examines how systems have developed nationally and globally. Case studies in television, film, recorded music, print, video games, and online communication are used to analyze production processes, job roles, and social receptivity.
COMM 1203 Communication Theory and Research (3 hours)
An examination of the process through which humans create, and share meaning and strive to understand, relate to, and influence others. A survey of scientific and interpretive theories of interpersonal, group, public, and mass communication categories. Emphasis given to diversity of historical scholarship in communication theory, verbal and non-verbal dynamics, and the process of evaluating contexts, motivations, and solutions within communication scenarios.
INDS 3610 VCXD Career Readiness (1 hour)
This career readiness course equips design students with the essential tools and strategies for a successful transition into the professional world. Beyond portfolio refinement, students will cultivate a compelling personal brand, craft impactful resumes and cover letters, and master effective job-finding techniques. The curriculum covers interview skills, including behavioral and technical questions, alongside the strategic use of LinkedIn for networking and professional presence. Students will also develop a professional portfolio website, showcasing their work and skills in a dynamic online format, ensuring they are prepared to confidently navigate the competitive design job market.